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Separation of dolomite from Florida phosphates was achieved by first conditioning the feed with fatty acid at pH 10 followed by reconditioning at pH 4 or below, before flotation. Observed selectivity of this two stage conditioning process was attributed to the amount as well as changes in the nature of the adsorbed collector species upon reconditioning. In this paper, bench scale flotation results of optimizing the major process parameters, such as reconditioning pH and collector dosage, for upgrading natural high dolomitic phosphate samples from Florida are discussed.

Jan 1, 1988

The Inglewood Gold Project consists of several titles in and around the Inglewood and Wedderburn Goldfields which were purchased from Strata Mining Corporation (now Excalibur Mining Corporation). The Inglewood goldfield has a historical production of approximately 160 000 tonnes at 23 grams per tonne. The company has reopened and developed the Maxwells reef, picking up a high-grade shoot (Max Shoot) identified and worked by Goldquest et al up until 1994. Production ceased on a low gold price, rapidly reducing vein size and a requirement for further development. Greater Bendigo Gold Mines Ltd (GBM) has undertaken the development and encountered the mineralised vein in an increasing size setting with high grades and the existing mine development has access to a further shoot to the north (Max North Shoot). The Maxwells reef also contains the Woolf shoot south of the Maxwells shaft and an inferred resource of ~20 000 ounces is contained from 60 m below surface. Best intersection 2.9 m at 50 g/t. The Maxwells reef area produced approximately 20 per cent of the Inglewood goldfields production and GBM is preparing to increase its exploration efforts across the rest of the field. A processing plant has been constructed at the Maxwells mine site, which is capable of treating tailings, hard rock and alluvial material utilising gravity recovery. The existing Maxwells tailings have been excavated and treatment commenced. It is intended to produce a sand product from the tailings for resale and to reduce the storage requirements per tonne. Several large water dams constructed by Goldquest in the 1990s are being re-engineered to enable storage of significant tonnages of tailings. A level of surface and underground production is planned for 2008 and this is to be expanded into 2009 and beyond. The long-term future at Inglewood is envisaged as structural repeats at depth below the current workings and a project plan to gain deep access will be prepared on successful drilling results.

Jan 1, 2008

By E. G. Leonardon

The object of this paper is to describe briefly the practical results obtained in several problems of civil engineering by resistivity measurements of the underground. It is intended for the mining engineer, as well as for the construction engineer; the stratigraphical problems discussed are general and frequently are encountered in mining exploration. Resistivity measurements have been used in mining and oil exploration for a number of years.' Their introduction in the field of civil engineering, on the contrary, is rather recent. It was applied for the first time in the spring of 1928 near Littleton, N. H., in the survey of two dam sites for the New England Power Assn.2 Since then, the geophysical firm with which the author is connected has had an opportunity to develop this field of activity, and more than 20 investigations at dam and tunnel sites have been carried out in the United States and Canada. A part of this work has been verified by underground or drilling exploration. This paper deals with but a few of the results, which we are permitted to make public now. The theoretical and technical sides of the processes employed will not be discussed; they have already been described in various technical publications. A few general points will be mentioned, to make clear the practical examples given. Resistivities OF the Rocks The surveys are based on the measurement of the specific resistance of the rocks. This resistivity is the electrical resistance of a cylinder of

Jan 1, 1932

By Ken Deter

My recent experience has been with wet tropical environments, which address a different set of concerns than Nevada, for example. Spraying rather than drips are required in most cases just to assist the water balance requirement, and my comments address those situations. Most tropical operations are faced with both extremely wet and very dry seasons, with some having multiple cycles during the year. A heap leach operation must address the rate of solution building up within the ponds and how long the volume must last until the next rainy season. It may be easier to construct sufficient pond volume to permit yearlong operation than by discharging excess solution now, and searching for water later. Pond capacity requirements can help with the following: Consider using the solution that could be locked up in the pads during leaching to assist water balance problems. Spray excess solution continuously onto spent ore that would not be normally be sprayed again to "soak up" the excess solution, and stop spraying when the water balance is low, allowing the solution in the spent ore to return back into the system-with or without cyanide added. In a multiple lift system, if intermediate HDPE liners are planned for solution grade control, have drips placed before the HPDE liner is in place. The drips can distribute excess precipitation throughout the lower lifts to control the water balance, while the most current lifts are being leached and sent directly for the preg pond. With only 2 million tonnes (2.2 million tons) of spent ore involved, up to 200,000 cubic meters (53 million gallons) of solution could be moved into or out of the water balance system, if proper methods are designed and installed. That is equivalent to one meter (40 inches) precipitation falling on a 200,000 square meter (2.2 million square feet) pad area. You may even get a little bit more gold recovered as the solution drains from the earlier pads, as well.

Jan 1, 1999

By Leonard B. Lipson

Boyer, Morgan and Muskat,' with improvements by Morgan, McDowell, and Doty,l and Laird and Putnam,' have described a scheme for the determination of fluid saturatic in porous media by measuring the x-ray linear absorbing power of particular fluids in the media. This method is one of several which depend on the linear absorbing power of the fluids in the porous medium. Other examples of linear absorption methods involve measurement of dielectric constant, gamma ray absorption, and ultrasonic attenuation. It is the purpose of this note to demonstrate by theortical considerations that the absorption versus saturation curve for a linear absorption method is not necessarily a single valued function of the saturation. Such non-unique behavior must be considered and evaluated before suitable saturation determinations can be made by a linear absorption method. To illustrate the discussion, examples will be given only for the simplest cases of combinations of two different dielectrics. The dielectric constant method was chosen for illustration because it was thought to demonstrate most graphically the point in question. According to Argue and Maass,4 the resultant dielectric constant of a combination of two different dielectrics depends on the orientation of the dielectrics in the electric field of the test condenser used to measure the dielectric constant. One ease involves alternate slabs of dielectrics E1 and E2 perpendicular to the electric field of the test condenser, as shown in Fig. 1A. For this case: l/'E, = A/E, + B/E,.......(1) where E,,, is the dielectric constant of the combination, A is the ratio of the path length through dielectric E, to the distance between the plates of the condenser (assuming the dielectrics have the same cross sectional area as the condenser), and B is the ratio of the path length through dielectric E2 to the distance between the plates of the condenser. It will be noted that the constants A and B are numerically equal to the fractional "saturation" of the region between the test plates of the condenser by the two dielectrics E1 and E2, respectively. Another case involves alternate columns of the two dielectrics parallel to the electric field and forming a continuous path between the condenser plates, as shown in Fig. 1B. For this case: E., = AE1 + BE2.........(2) where E., is the dielectric constant of the combination, A is the ratio of the cross sectional area of dielectric E, to the cross sectional area of the condenser plates (assuming the lengths of the dielectrics equal the distance between the condenser plates) and B is the ratio of the cross sectional area of dielectric E2 to the cross sectional area of the condenser plates. As before the constants A and B are the effective "saturation" of the condenser by the two dielectrics. Still another case is described by Lichtenecker5 where dielectric E2 is shown in the form of small particles distributed at random in dielectric E1. This is shown in Fig. 1C. For this case: log Em = A log E1 + B log E2.....(3) where Em is the dielectric constant of the combination. A is the ratio of the volume of dielectric E1 to the volume of the condenser, i.e., the effective "saturation" of the condenser by dielectric E,. B is the ratio of the volume of dielectric E2 to the volume of the condenser, i.e., "saturation" of dielectric El. Equations (l), (2) and (3) are plotted in Fig. 2 for E1 = 2.5 (oil) and E2 = 80 (water). Equations (1) and (2) may he thought of as representing the limiting cases of the configuration of two fluids which might be expected to exist in a porous medium. Equation (3),

Jan 1, 1951

By Leonard B. Lipson

Boyer, Morgan and Muskat,' with improvements by Morgan, McDowell, and Doty,l and Laird and Putnam,' have described a scheme for the determination of fluid saturatic in porous media by measuring the x-ray linear absorbing power of particular fluids in the media. This method is one of several which depend on the linear absorbing power of the fluids in the porous medium. Other examples of linear absorption methods involve measurement of dielectric constant, gamma ray absorption, and ultrasonic attenuation. It is the purpose of this note to demonstrate by theortical considerations that the absorption versus saturation curve for a linear absorption method is not necessarily a single valued function of the saturation. Such non-unique behavior must be considered and evaluated before suitable saturation determinations can be made by a linear absorption method. To illustrate the discussion, examples will be given only for the simplest cases of combinations of two different dielectrics. The dielectric constant method was chosen for illustration because it was thought to demonstrate most graphically the point in question. According to Argue and Maass,4 the resultant dielectric constant of a combination of two different dielectrics depends on the orientation of the dielectrics in the electric field of the test condenser used to measure the dielectric constant. One ease involves alternate slabs of dielectrics E1 and E2 perpendicular to the electric field of the test condenser, as shown in Fig. 1A. For this case: l/'E, = A/E, + B/E,.......(1) where E,,, is the dielectric constant of the combination, A is the ratio of the path length through dielectric E, to the distance between the plates of the condenser (assuming the dielectrics have the same cross sectional area as the condenser), and B is the ratio of the path length through dielectric E2 to the distance between the plates of the condenser. It will be noted that the constants A and B are numerically equal to the fractional "saturation" of the region between the test plates of the condenser by the two dielectrics E1 and E2, respectively. Another case involves alternate columns of the two dielectrics parallel to the electric field and forming a continuous path between the condenser plates, as shown in Fig. 1B. For this case: E., = AE1 + BE2.........(2) where E., is the dielectric constant of the combination, A is the ratio of the cross sectional area of dielectric E, to the cross sectional area of the condenser plates (assuming the lengths of the dielectrics equal the distance between the condenser plates) and B is the ratio of the cross sectional area of dielectric E2 to the cross sectional area of the condenser plates. As before the constants A and B are the effective "saturation" of the condenser by the two dielectrics. Still another case is described by Lichtenecker5 where dielectric E2 is shown in the form of small particles distributed at random in dielectric E1. This is shown in Fig. 1C. For this case: log Em = A log E1 + B log E2.....(3) where Em is the dielectric constant of the combination. A is the ratio of the volume of dielectric E1 to the volume of the condenser, i.e., the effective "saturation" of the condenser by dielectric E,. B is the ratio of the volume of dielectric E2 to the volume of the condenser, i.e., "saturation" of dielectric El. Equations (l), (2) and (3) are plotted in Fig. 2 for E1 = 2.5 (oil) and E2 = 80 (water). Equations (1) and (2) may he thought of as representing the limiting cases of the configuration of two fluids which might be expected to exist in a porous medium. Equation (3),

Jan 1, 1951

By B. D. Wood, J. A. Fowler, H. S. Grütter, J. M. Kong

Abstract- The phased approach used by De Beers for diamond exploration is briefly outlined. The Victor kimberlite is one of 19 kimberlites in a cluster near Attawapiskat, Ontario. The progress at the Victor kimberlite is summarized, and the operations are described within the framework of this staged approach. An evaluation program is currently under way on the Victor kimberlite, but although results are encouraging, insufficient diamonds have been recovered to permit disclosure of estimates for the grade and value.

Jan 1, 2001

By T. M. Campoy, J. R. Jones

When extending the life of an existing mine in Appalachia, it is common to acquire the adjacent reserves and extend the existing mine into it. The existing mine is often renovated to accommodate the new conditions. The existing mining system and the track and belt haulage systems may he modified while the new property is integrated into the old one. All of these changes create new constraints for the mine ventilation system (MVS) that require proper planning and control procedures. This paper presents a study that was carried out for the ventilation system of a newly expanded underground coal mine in the Appalachian region. The process of correcting the ventilation system of the existing mine is discussed. That is followed by a discussion of some of the stages of controlling the expanded system. Numerical data for these steps are also presented.

Jan 1, 1994

By Wilford S. Wright

FOR the past four years the management of the Black Hawk Consolidated Mines plant at Mogollon has conscientiously kept accurate records pertaining to cost of operation and the performance of certain equipment. These records have been valuable in coordinating the work in the mine, mill and power plant. Also, as to quantity and kind of equipment and supplies most suitable from the standpoint of economy and dependable operation, they have served as a guide. Through comparison with records at other mines, where the same things are being done in a different way, they have pointed out mistakes to be avoided. No outstanding accomplishments, either in costs or performances, are revealed; in fact, some of the results are perhaps quite inferior to those obtained at similar plants, but it is with the thought that more records should be published for the benefit of the mining profession that the author presents these data. To other operators and to mining engineers who are called upon to make estimates for prospective operations, the information herein should be helpful. GENERAL CONDITIONS Mogollon is in the southern part of Catron County, southwestern New Mexico. It lies near the western border of the Mogollon Range, 14 miles east of the Arizona line. Silver City, 80 miles to the southeast, is the nearest railroad point. The connecting road, over which supplies are hauled into camp by trucks, is an improved highway for about 50 miles; the remainder consists of graveled roads and unimproved steep mountain grades. One general supply truck and one tank truck make daily round trips. Hauling of supplies to the mine has cost at the rate of $0.08 per ton-mile; or, on the basis of ore production, $0.30 per ton mined. Lumber, hauled in from local mills, has cost an average of $30.00 per 1000 board feet, $8.50 of which has been for hauling. The annual consumption averages 108,000 board feet. Lime, hauled from a plant in Arizona, is about the only other item not brought out from Silver City. Fuel oil for the generation of power is the item of greatest hauling expense, the f.o.b. Mogollon cost of approximately $0.06 per gal. being nearly twice the f.o.b. refinery price. Water for power plant, mill and camp use flows to camp storage tanks through a 4-in. pipe line from a spring and intake 3 miles up Silver Creek Canyon. A few times, particularly in the month of June, mill operations have been suspended for two or three days because of water shortage. MINING CONDITIONS During the years 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1941, the mine produced 230,059 dry tons

Jan 1, 1943

It is probable that the first commercial production of coal in Ohio was for the supply of Wheeling, before mines were opened at that place. This coal came from Pipe Creek in Belmont County,l where the seam was exposed a short distance above the river. This movement could not have lasted more than a few years, because coal was being mined at Wheeling in 1818, and probably before that.2 Mining began in Tuscarawas County in 1810 and in Perry County in 1816, and has been followed steadily since then. In the eighteen twenties the Pomeroy field in Meigs County, Jackson County, and the northern Ohio field in Summit County commenced production. All of the early data available are given in Table 57. No early official reports were made, but after 1859 the Secretary of State published statistics of production, admittedly inaccurate, by counties, and under various officials these have been continued to the present day. Ohio has never published statistics about coal in smaller units than the county; no reports of individual properties have ever been collected. The period from 1800 to 1885 includes the opening of practically all of the coal fields of the state, although those of eastern Ohio were not large producers at its end. During this time the use of raw block coal in blast furnaces had begun and ended, and at the end, coke was nearly the universal fuel for this purpose. Much of the coal traffic on the Ohio River and its main tributaries originated in the necessity of a fuel supply for Cincinnati and other down-river cities. This traffic started in 1794, and few records of it are available until many years later; in 1846 records of the movement to Cincinnati began and have been maintained with increasing thoroughness, and represent one of the most complete records of such a traffic extant anywhere. As these data show the originating fields of most of the coals used there, the available figures to 1885 have been collected in Table 16.

Jan 1, 1942

By Michael Farley, Paul Dufour

"Relationships, Partnerships,Marriages (RPM)RPM has a nice musical ring to it, but it is in fact synonymous with science and technology, university-government -corporate links and the more genera l issue of university roles in technology development. Pick up any report on one of these issues, and chances are that you will find one of these key words in the title. Play it, and you will find that the revolutions per minute are increasing. It is difficult to keep track of the wide variety of institutional experiments now developing in Canadian universities in attempts to marry science and research with technology commercialization and technology transfer.Why is the role of Canadian universities in this matter important? There are at least five good reasons:1. It is important because these knowledge institutions are producer s of scientific research, a major component of technology. Today the gap between the two is rapidly shrinking.2. It ' is important because Canadian industry is turning to universities for tech no logy development and new knowledge. Figure 1 shows that universities are becoming an important source of technology available to Canadian firm s; more important in fact than government. Figure 2 illustrates this trend more graphically in showing that university collaboration is one of the preferred methods of industry participating in co-operative R&D efforts:3. The role of Canadian universities in technology development is also important because the provincial and federal governments have embarked on various programs and policies for promoting the use of technology and science for economic benefit. Universities are playing an increasing role here. For example, the submission of IDEA Corporation (a venture capital operation funded by the government) in Ontario to the Bovey Commission on the Future Development of Ontario Universities clearly spelled out its ideas for commercialization of university research in Ontario . Among other things, the brief suggested that Ontario's universities need to be better equipped to transfer technology, and the reward structure in university research must incorporate industrial interests."

Jan 1, 1986

By Waqinwright M. S

The underlying principles of dewatering theory have recently achieved considerable practical application in the washing and dewatering of alumina trihydrate in Bayer plants. In particular, the influence on residual cake moisture contents of trace amounts of surfactant added to the wash water reveals that significant energy savings can be achieved. The influence of organic compounds produced by the caustic extraction of bauxite in the Bayer process is shown to be significant. These humic species reduce the cake permeability and the effectiveness of certain surfactants in dewatering operations.

Jan 1, 1989

By Dave Harrison, Phyllis Hasser, Ken Eltschlager

The beginning There was the video:– “Understanding Vibrations from Blasting” – 2002 to 2004 in development – Dale Ramsey ad hoc Public Education committee chair – Available At the ISEE bookstore Public Education and Public Relations Committee • Standing ISEE committee 2004 • Co-Chairs – Ken Eltschlager, Dave Harrison • Purpose: "Develop and conduct programs on public education and public relations. Public education programs will focus on public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the explosives industry. Public relations programs will concentrate on providing blasting professionals with the tools to assist in the public's understanding of the explosive industry and in the appropriate ways to respond to local community issues."

Jan 1, 2007

By Dennis L. Boley, Francesco Gallavresi, Donald A. Bruce

The authors describe novel aspects of ground reinforcement and treatment as related to soft ground excavation for tunnels throughout the world. Insitu reinforcement for cut slopes (soil nailing), as underpinning (reticulated micropiles), and as direct tunnel support (infilaggi) is introduced. Ground treatment focuses on new aspects of permeation grouting (by the tube'a manchette system), and on jet grouting-a very powerful and positive new technique. Recent developments in equipment, materials, methods and instrumentation are reviewed, with special reference to major tunnelling projects in Italy and Singapore.

Jan 1, 1987

ABSTRACT- I Chemotrophic bacteria, capable of oxidising inorganic species such as Fe(II) and S(-]I) for their metabolic energy, have been known for many decades and interest in these bacterial species has increased since their ability oxidise auriferous arsenopyrite ores has been demonstrated. The rate at which bacterial cultures can oxidise a solid sulphide ore is of importance but a number of difficulties arise when attempting to evaluate this oxidative activity. The two major problems are counting the number of viable bacteria present in the reactor and identifying the types of bacteria that are active in both the solid and liquid phases. Enumerating the numbers of bacteria responsible for an observed change is necessary to compare the activity of different isolates. For selection and identification of bacteria during the development stages of a project, and for monitoring an operational process, the recognition of different species will be of importance. Methods for the taxonomic discrimination of bacterial species rely on observations, different culturing techniques, and the degree of DNA base homology between isolates. A method reported recently uses IR spectroscopy for comparisons between isolates. This spectroscopic method and its application is discussed.

Jan 1, 1991

By I. E. A. Aghachi

During static strain-aging of low carbon steel, when the material is pre-strained, the dislocation density increases. If totally or partially unloaded and aged for a prescribed time, interstitial solute atoms diffuse under the influence of the dislocation stress fields, thus tending to lock dislocations causing an increase in yield stress. If held for long periods at certain aging temperature, a decrease in yield stress (over-aging) is observed following the initial increase. This behaviour has been variously attributed to either recovery of cold worked dislocation structure and/or formation and coarsening of carbide precipitates. The present work demonstrates that, using a "process control" model for the competing processes of hardening and softening, dislocation recovery is responsible for over-aging of mild steel specimens under conditions tested during this investigation. Keywords: Strain-aging, Precipitation, Recovery

Jan 1, 2003

By J. A. Fulton

GOLD was discovered in the Sierra Nevada by J. W. Marshall on Jan. 2, 1848. The town: of Grass Valley soon sprang up and contained several stores in 1849; but the population of the town has always reflected the fluctuations in quartz mining. Gold-bearing quartz was found on Gold Hill in September 1850, and in the next two years most of the quartz bearing veins in the vicinity were located. At first, the quartz was crushed in mortars with spring poles; the Huff Co. took out $20,000 in this manner during the winter and spring of 1851. The first mill was put up in January, 1851. In 1866, there .were in Grass Valley 248 stamps, crushing 71,420 tons of ore with an average yield of $30 to $35; in Nevada City, there were 142 stamps, crushing 14,200, tons, with an average value of $25. But in 1918, only two properties in. this region, the Empire and the North Star, were producing. Since then, there has. been a revival of mining in the district and the following properties are being opened up: The Golden Center, Grass Valley Gold. Mines CO , Idaho-Maryland Mines Co., while the Sultana is kept unwatered and work is going on in a half dozen small properties.

Jan 2, 1926

By A. R. Sheik, A. A. Baba, M. K. Ghosh, K. Sanjay, R. B. Bale, A. G. F. Alabi, F. A. Adekola, L. Ibrahim

"This paper studies the characterization and dissolution of a Nigerian pyrolusite ore, reporting the results of ore physicochemical analyses and detailed ore characterization before and after leaching at optimal conditions. Ore dissolution rate increased proportional to acid concentration and temperature, but decreased with ore particle size. In a 4 M H2SO4 solution at 80°C with a particle size of –90+75 µm and moderate agitation, ore dissolution rate reached 78.7%. Unleached residue produced under optimal leaching conditions consisted of silica with admixtures of cristobalite and stishovite. The calculated activation energy supported the proposed diffusion control mechanism for the process.RÉSUMÉ Le présent article étudie la caractérisation et la dissolution d’un minerai de pyrolusite du Nigeria, il donne les résultats des analyses physicochimiques du minerai et de la caractérisation détaillée du minerai avant et après la lixiviation sous des conditions optimales. Le taux de dissolution du minerai augmentait proportionnellement à la concentration de l’acide mais décroissait avec la taille des particules. Dans une solution 4 M H2SO4 à 80 °C, avec une granulométrie de –90+75 µm et une agitation modérée, le taux de dissolution du minerai a atteint 78,7 %. Les résidus produits sous des conditions optimales de lixiviation étaient constitués de silice avec un mélange de cristobalite et de stishovite. L’énergie calculée d’activation supportait le mécanisme de contrôle de la diffusion proposé pour le procédé."

Jan 1, 2016

By Howard I. Smith

THE mineral trona was discovered on Government land in 1938, about 18 miles west of the town of Green River, Wyo., in the core of the John Hay, Jr., well, a test well drilled for oil by the Mountain Fuel Supply Co. in sec. 2, T. 18 N., R. 110 W., sixth principal meridian. Although no oil or gas was reported, the drilling led to a discovery of great potential economic importance and exceptional scientific interest. Trona is a relatively rare mineral found at various places in playa deposits but not previously found at any great depth. It is composed of hydrous sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (Na2CO3.NaHCO3.2H20). Pure trona contains the equivalent of 70.35 per cent of sodium carbonate. Total sodium computed to carbonate times 1.42 equals the percentage of trona in the absence of other sodium carbonate minerals in the sample. ANALYSES Two short pieces of core sent to the author a few days after the completion of the Hay well were analyzed by R. C. Wells[t] and found to be exceptionally pure trona. A brief article on this discovery has already been published.1 Arrangements were then made through W. T. Nightengale[$] for the author to inspect and sample the core. The company log of the well included notations of sodium salt crystals from a depth of 1190 to 1820 ft. Not being able to identify all the minerals present, the author selected several specimens of the core for petrographic examinations and sampled the sections of trona for analysis. J. J. Fahey, of the Geological Survey, examined the specimens and reported most of the crystals to be a new anhydrous sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate mineral (Na2CO3.2CaCO3), which he named shortite,2 after Maxwell N. Short.* He analyzed the samples of trona, with the results shown in Table I. [ ] In addition to the 10 ft. I in. of trona in the first section, it is reasonable to assume that the 9 ft. 8 in. for which no core was available for sampling is either mostly trona or some other soluble salt, but it should not be included in calculating reserves. In the part of the core between 1590 ft. 3 in. and I600 ft. 4 in. the material insoluble in cold water, amounting to about 5 per cent, was estimated petrographically to contain 70 per cent clay, 25 per cent shortite, and 5 per cent pyrite. ACCOMPANYING MINERALS Fahey later secured about 600 ft. of the core for a detailed examination and study

Jan 1, 1942

By J. R. Sturgul, J. C. Wynn

Computers and computer applications in geophysics are fairly recent innovations. The area of data handling is one that has found many immediate applications. Initially, the use of computers involved in almost all cases, a batch-input arrangement requiring a trip to the local computer center, a wait and another trip. Even though the computer worked at incredible speeds, the time-delays, in case an error in the input data developed, often could be several days. Use of computers in mining exploration by medium-sized or small-sized companies and contractors has been almost non-existent beyond simple data reduction work. The principle J. R. Sturgul, SME member, and J. C. Wynn, both affiliated with the Dept. of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, presented this paper at the Eleventh International Symposium on Computer Applications in the Minerals Industry, reasons appear to be the time factor and the inconvenience of the frequent trips involved. With the advent of time sharing systems, whereby a company need only have access to a terminal, the main objections can be overcome. An Apparent Solution An apparent solution to the time and distance inconveniences which would permit more extensive use of computers in geophysical exploration, is to buy or lease/purchase a medium-sized computer and install it in or near one's office. This is a formidable proposition in terms of cost and programming time on both respects, but several mining companies of larger size have already gone this route. In most cases, the computers have been expensive devices with a limited memory or core size. For routine data handling this memory size is not restrictive; however, for many geophysical applications such as three-dimensional modeling this can be critical.

Jan 10, 1973